No, I believe self defense is appropriate now, and I even have determined that it will take some time to get away from using the death penalty, but let me explain how I came to this conclusion as briefly as I am able.
When the state takes the life of a convicted felon, the original intent was to deter crime.
I no longer believe this to be working as a deterrent.
Secondly, it cheapens life. It makes it(killing) OK by state sanction.
I believe it is also too easy. What did the criminal suffer. What will he/she ever know now about the pain they inflicted on others.
If everyone learned to respect life, there would be no killing.
Respect is taught by example.
This is far from a perfect world. It could be better, and it will be.
But I made the choice to begin and I lead by example. Social changes and morays take time. A great deal of time to learn, change and adapt.
God is patient and so am I.
Many on this idiotic thread have totally misrepresented my patience as indifference.
I assure you, that is not the case. But, I do not need to convince them of any sincerity, because this is a really stupid thread.